Wax Leaf Privet - Ligustrum japonicum

The Wax Leaf Privet also known as Japanese Privet, is popular among gardens across the USA. It is an evergreen shrub, belonging to the Olive family, and native to eastern Asia. Reaching heights of 12 ft tall, it is a fast-growing shrub and loves sunny environments.

The leaves of this fine evergreen are thick and leathery with a waxy coating, a characteristic from which it gets its common name. Ovate in shape, the leaves have a dark green top with a lighter green underside.

Plant Details - Wax Leaf Privet

Family: Oleaceae

Hardiness Zones: 7 - 10

Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade

Water Needs: Moderate

Height: 6 - 12 ft

Spread: 6 - 8 ft

Growth Rate: Fast

Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer

Flower Color: Creamy white

Wildlife Value: Pollinators visit flowers, birds eat the small black berries

Flowers of this shrub are of no ornamental significance, but they do provide an important nectar source for pollinators in the spring. However, many people find the fragrance of the flowers offensive. Once pollinated, the flowers give way to purple berries that are well-loved and appreciate by wildlife.

The Wax Leaf Privet produces dense foliage making it an excellent choice to use in a hedge for privacy. You can also create topiaries of pyramidal, conical or global shapes to border a walkway, or establish a foundation specimen as this shrub is easy to prune.

Landscape Uses and Maintenance - Wax Leaf Privet

It is relatively easy to grow, winter hardy, and will happily grow across a variety of soil conditions. It does not have any serious pest or disease problems; however, it can be susceptible to white fly and privet rust mites.

It can become weedy in disturbed areas and has successfully naturalized in areas that remain consistently moist once escaped from the garden. It is even considered invasive in some regions of the US. Berries are not edible for humans and the plant is toxic to dogs, cats and horse.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Easy to prune, fast growing, berries are foraged by wildlife.

Spice up your garden by using this densely foliated, fast-growing shrub to create a privacy hedge or to shape into a decorative topiary. Shop for Wax Leaf Privet shrubs online at TN Nursery. For 68 years, we have served the landscaping industry and homeowners with specimen plants.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Height at Maturity

Over 10 Feet

Care

Wax Leaf Privet thrives in well-drained soil with regular watering, especially during dry periods. Prune yearly to preserve shape and remove dead or diseased branches. Fertilize in spring to encourage vigorous growth and healthy foliage.

Plant Reproduction

Wax Leaf Privet spreads via suckers, seeds, and root systems

How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Shrubs

Bare root shrubs are a budget-friendly and efficient way to plant during the cooler months when they’re dormant. Before planting, soak the roots in water for 3–6 hours to rehydrate them. Choose a site with the appropriate light exposure for the species—most flowering shrubs prefer full to partial sun. Dig a hole wide enough to spread out the roots and deep enough so the crown (where the roots meet the stems) sits level with the soil surface.

Mound a bit of soil at the bottom of the hole, spread the roots over it, and backfill with native soil while gently firming it to remove air pockets. Water deeply after planting to settle the roots. Keep the soil moist but not soggy during the first growing season to encourage healthy establishment.

Mulch around the base (not touching the stems) to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune lightly to remove any broken branches and to shape after the first flush of growth. With minimal care, bare root shrubs will leaf out beautifully and grow into reliable, long-term landscape anchors.

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